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Vitaccino "slimming" coffee drinks contain sibutramine, a dangerous drug withdrawn from the market in 2010. The FDA is warning consumers against using the product, as the drug, which was sold as Meridia, can cause heart attack and stroke, and may cause dangerous interactions with other drugs.
(File photo)

CLEVELAND, Ohio-- Vitaccino, a product sold as a "slimming" herbal coffee drink for weight loss, contains a dangerous drug ingredient that was pulled from the market in 2010 because of the risk of heart attack and stroke, the FDA is warning consumers. The drink contains sibutramine, marketed under the brand name Meridia as a weight loss drug before its withdrawal.

FDA analysis confirmed the presence of the drug. The agency has discovered sibutramine in more than 30 weight loss supplements since January of 2013, including capsules, powders and other slimming coffee drinks.

Sibutramine, marketed as Meridia in the U.S. until it was removed from the market in 2010, has the potential to interact with other prescription
medications and poses a particular risk for people with heart
conditions. In a clinical trial called SCOUT, the drug increased the
risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (composite of non-fatal
heart attack, non-fatal stroke, resuscitation after cardiac arrest and
cardiovascular death) by 16 percent in patients treated with Meridia
compared to patients taking a placebo.

Vitaccino is promoted as an "herbal weight loss formula" that "turns extra body fat into fatty acids," and is sold online at several retailers, including Amazon and on the company's web site and Facebook page.

FDA says in its release that Vitaccino poses a threat to consumers because of sibutramine's known health risks, particularly for those with a history of coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure,
arrhythmias, or stroke. Taking the supplement while on other medications can also cause potentially life-threatening drug interactions.

If
you’ve taken a dietary or weight loss supplement and experienced a side
effect or adverse event, contact your doctor and report it to the FDA’s
MedWatch Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program by completing a form online or by calling 1-800-332-1088 to request a form.

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